A sump pump removes unwanted water from your home that may come from floods or heavy rainfall. It pumps the water away to a safe distance where it won’t hurt your home.
This helps to protect your home from flooding and, with it being such a crucial part of your home’s flood protection, you’ll need to ensure it’s always in the best shape. You should always do proper maintenance on your sump pump and reset it if necessary to keep it in top form.
A reset will help your pump if you start to see if not working as well as it used to, even after maintenance. Today we’ll be teaching you how to properly reset your sump pump, and these steps — if done properly — should get your pump back on track.
Understanding Sump Pumps
Sump pumps are essential devices that help prevent basement flooding by removing water that has accumulated in a sump basin. They are commonly found in homes with basements or crawl spaces, and they are designed to automatically turn on when water levels in the basin reach a certain level.
Sump pumps come in two types: pedestal and submersible. Pedestal pumps have a motor that is mounted above the sump basin, while submersible pumps have a motor that is submerged in the water. Submersible pumps are generally more expensive, but they are also more efficient and quieter than pedestal pumps.
Sump pumps are powered by electricity, so it’s important to ensure that they are connected to a reliable power source. Some models come with battery backup systems that can keep the pump running in case of a power outage.
When it comes to maintenance, it’s important to regularly check the pump for any signs of damage or wear. This includes checking the power cord, float switch, and discharge pipe. It’s also important to clean the pump and basin to prevent any debris from clogging the system.
In the event that the sump pump stops working, it’s important to know how to reset it. This typically involves disconnecting the power, removing the pump from the basin, cleaning it, and then restarting the power. It’s important to follow the manufacturer’s instructions when resetting the pump to avoid any damage or injury.
Overall, sump pumps are an important investment for any homeowner with a basement or crawl space. With proper maintenance and care, they can help prevent costly water damage and keep your home safe and dry.
Read: Best Sump Pump For Muddy Water
Identifying Sump Pump Issues
When a sump pump is not functioning properly, it can cause significant damage to a home’s foundation and basement. Identifying the issue with the sump pump is the first step to fixing the problem. Here are some common sump pump issues and how to identify them:
No Power
If the sump pump is not turning on, the first thing to check is the power supply. Ensure that the electrical outlet is working correctly and that the sump pump is correctly plugged in. If the outlet and the plug are working correctly, check the circuit breaker to see if it has tripped. If the circuit breaker has tripped, reset it and try turning on the sump pump again.
Clogged Discharge Pipe
If the sump pump is turning on but not pumping water out of the basement, the discharge pipe may be clogged. To check if the discharge pipe is clogged, disconnect it from the sump pump and inspect it for any debris or blockages. If there is a blockage, remove it and reconnect the discharge pipe to the sump pump.
Overwhelmed Sump Pump
If the sump pump is not keeping up with the amount of water entering the basement, it may be overwhelmed. This can occur during heavy rainstorms or when the sump pump is not powerful enough for the amount of water entering the basement. To identify this issue, check the water level in the sump pit. If the water level is higher than usual, the sump pump may be overwhelmed.
Sump Pump Running Continuously
If the sump pump is running continuously, it may indicate that there is a problem with the float switch. The float switch is responsible for turning the sump pump on and off as the water level in the sump pit rises and falls. To check if the float switch is the issue, manually lift it to see if the sump pump turns off. If it does, the float switch may need to be adjusted or replaced.
By identifying the issue with the sump pump, homeowners can take the necessary steps to fix the problem and prevent further damage to their home.
How to Reset a Sump Pump
Resetting your sump pump only takes a few minutes:
1. Unplug Your Sump Pump
It is crucial to ensure you disconnect the power when working with any type of electrical equipment, especially when working with water as well. First you should turn the sump pump off by the switch. Then, disconnect its power cord from the electrical outlet.
2. Remove the Sump Pump From its Basin
You will need to remove the sump pump from its basin so that you are able to access its components. Carefully remove the basin cover and take out the pump from the basin. You’ll need to then take a note of the connections so you’ll be able to put it all back together properly.
Carefully disconnect the drainage pipes and the pump connectors. After the pump is removed it might leak the water that is still in it or the pump itself might be dirty, so it’s good to place it down on a cloth or the ground outside.
3. Clean the Sump Pump of Dirt or Bebris
Debris inside the pump can lead to a pump failure because it can jam the motors. Carefully remove any debris and dirt in the pump. Examine the pump for any rust, leaks or damage to its exterior. Doing routine checks on your sump pump and cleaning the filter every 3-4 months can extend how long the pump lasts. Check the discharge line and drain lines for any clogs as well, before you place the pump back into the basin.
4. Place the Sump Pump Back Into the Basin and Power it Back up
After the pump is cleaned thoroughly, you will need to get it reconnected and turned on before doing the reset. Reconnect all the lines as you disconnected them earlier. It’s important to ensure you connect everything back in its original position to prevent any further issues or complications.
Ensure the float switch is working correctly by seeing how it rises and falls with the water level in the sump pit.
Plug the switch back into the electrical outlet it was disconnected from and switch the pump’s power back on. After this is done the pump should turn on easily, but if it doesn’t it might be a problem with the motor or switch. In this case, contact your local plumber.
5. Resetting the Sump Pump
Not all sump pumps will come with a direct reset button, and what we did earlier by unplugging it should have done the trick for resetting those. For the sump pumps that do come with a reset button, you’ll now need to go ahead and push that button. This should cycle the system’s motors.
Resetting your sump pump can resolve a lot of issues with sump pump. So if after following all the steps correctly, your sump pump still doesn’t work, you’ll need to contact a trusted plumber to come and take a look.
When is the Right Time to Reset the Sump Pump?
If your basement is starting to flood or you’re experiencing a lot of water in the pit, it’s time to check your sump pump and reset it.
Also, if the pump is running continuously, it’s considered to be an indication that it needs to be reset. There could be a clog within the discharge pipe or an issue with the float switch.
Your sump pump should only be running for a short period of time, so whenever it is continuously running, something is definitely wrong. The sooner you check it, fix it, and reset it, the better. No one wants a flooded basement!